After four months of rainfall, which began during the holiday of Sukkos, it appears that the trees in the Land of Israel are heading toward another season of growth and renewal.
“It’s hard to notice this now during this winter season,” said TNS agricultural correspondent Gidi Ganenstein, “but the soil is now moist and ready for growth. Deep inside the bare trees, sap is flowing, and the first stirrings of growth are beginning.”
According to the Israeli Arboricultural Association all growth that follows this date — the fifteenth of Shevat – is connected to the upcoming year, while whatever grew until now is counted as the previous year’s growth. This information is important for keeping track of Terumah and Ma’aser gifts given to the Tribe of Levi.
On the Jewish calendar, this date is known as Tu BiShvat, the New Year for Trees.
